THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16433, 12 July 1915, Page 7

THE WAR

THE NEEDS OF THE HOUR LORD KITCHENER AT THE GUILDHALL. POLICY OUTLINED. UNRESTRICTED CALL FOR MEN. 4. WORD TO-" SHIRKERS." SUPREME HOUR. STRIKING FOR EVERY BRITON. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, July 9. Speaking at the Guildhall, Lord Kitchener said he was glad of the Lord Mayor's invitation to speak there to make another and larger demand upon the resources of English manhood. Our thoughts Naturally turned to the splendid efforts of the dominions, who throughout had Tanged themselves beside the Motherland. The Indian armies really were the first in the field, the Canadians closely followed, and were now associated with their AngloFrench comrides- in Flanders, presenting a iolid and impenetrable front. The Australians and New Zealanders, lombinecl with the Anglo-French forces at the Dardanelles, had already accomplished a feat of arms almost unexampled for its brilliance, and were pushing the campaign to a successful conclusion.

In each of the great dominions new and larie contingents were preparing. South Africa, not content with the successful accomplishment of an arduous campaign in South-west Africa, was now offering large forces for Europe. Britain, while strengthened by this unflinching support her fellow citizens oversea, was seeking to develop her own military to their Utmost limits. The vital need was MORE AND STILL MORE MEN. The situation this respect was immeasurably better than 10 months ago, but the ■whole position to-day was at least as eer'ous as it had been then.

Napoleon Lad said there were necessaries for war—money, money, money. Our greatest needs of the moment were

MEN, MATERIAL. AND MONEY.

Marked success had attended the war loan, due to its favourable reception in the city, and the energetic efforts of the new Munitions Department were overcoming the difficulties of supplies. He had taken up office as a soldier, not as a politician. He had early warned the nation of the certainty of the war being an arduous and prolonged one, and he was of the same opinion now. The GERMANS' THOROUGH PREPAREDNESS ■was due to strenuous high pressure, and the unremitting efforts of 40 years were shown in her military organisation, which ■was as complete as it was perfect, an J elaborately organised for imposing Germany's will upon other nations. Her vast Te'ources and her military strength when wielded by an autocracy were peculiarly adapted to conduct war, and her long preparation enabled the instantaneous use of her whole resources. Our own policy is gradually to increase our effectives. It was truly said that while Germany must decrease, we must increase. The voluntary system .was the'nation's deliberate choice, and necessitated an army in peace time of slender dimensions, with a capacity for potential expansion. We had habitually relied upon time being allowed us to increase our armies during hostilities. Therefore, he made an UNRESTRICTED CALL

for men and a larger army. There was greater need for overswelling their numbers in order to maintain their full strength. Something more was now required to ensure the enlistment of the large reserve which was imperatively needed. The gallant soldiers in the fighting line were beckoning with an urgency which is imperious, particularly in urging stayers at home to come out and play their part. Therefore they must go a step further and attract tihose who from various causes had not yielded to their patriotic impulses. The national registration when completed would enable him to note all the men between 19 and 40 who were required for munition and other necessary work. Steps would also be taken to secure enlistment of all the men possible, but firstly from the unmarried.

Our military situation in August was therefore normal, and it became our immediate task, concurrent with the despatch of the first Expeditionary Force, to raise

new armies and to provide a strong, steady

STREAM OF REINFORCEMENTS to maintain the army in the field at its full fighting strength. There had been a satisfactory and constant flow of recruits. He believed the recent slackening in recruiting was largely due to temporary influences. It was difficult to exaggerate the value of the response to his previous appeals. He now made another appeal fur volunteers to come forward to defenl their country. He was unwilling to ask for men in excess of the equipment available, but happily the limitations of material had been surmounted, and there were sufficient arms and clothing to convert all recruits into efficient soldiers. Lord Kitchener went on to say tint registration would occupy some woks; meantime it was paramount that AS MANY AS POSSIBLE

join to expedite the training. He ap- | pealed to employers to realise the need that all qualified for service should I e let go, and their places taken by ineligibles and women. The lack of encouragement on the part of some employers' had dissuaded many who dare not risk '.-heir b? cad and butter. It was not expedient to shout abroad tWe numbers that were likely to be required, because the figures were useful to the enemy. He was often urged to afford greater information of the whereabouts of regiments, and this was precisely what would be of value to the enemy. A German Prince in high command had ruefully admitted his complete ignorance of our new armies. The casualty lists sufficiently indicated the needs n't the front. A large percentage, however, were comparatively slight wounds, and the men would soon return to the firing line. Referring to " SHIRKERS," Lord Kitchener said that probably the absolute do-nothings were fewer than was commonly supposed, but he wished those engaged in patriotic work would ask themselves whether they had any real reason for not joining. He thought many who became special constables were qualified for the higher service, and some men sua "they did not see why they should go until they were fetched." He granted that legally they need not go if they chose not to. Lord Kitchener added : "But isn't it moral]}- up to you ? Will you do your duty only when the law says you must? It's a matter 'or your conscience; only make up your minds quickly." Lord Kitchener concluded ;u- follows : •" In everj; man's life there is

A SUIVREME HOUR towards which earlier experiences move and whereirom ul! future results are reckoned. That solemn hour is striking for every Briton. Let him heed the opportunity. It is now or never. Shirk nothing, shrink from nothing. Let us lend our full weight t-o the impetus which shall carry to victory the cause of our honour and freedom." Vast crowds in the streets gave an ovation to Lord Kitchener as he was proceeding to the Guildhall. Many members of the Cabinet and politicians were on the platform.